Valleys: Finding Courage, Conviction, and Confidence in Life's Low Points

by Kat Armstrong

These studies guide you through the storyline of Scripture-each following a person, place, or thing in the Bible. Maybe you are practiced in dissecting a passage and pulling things out of the text to apply to your life. But now you may feel as though your faith is fragmented. The Storyline Bible studies help you put the pieces back together. You’ll discover cohesive, thematic storylines with literary elements and appreciate the Bible as the masterpiece that it is.

Each study is five weeks long and can be paired with its thematic partner for a seamless ten-week study to fit in a church semester. Every study


Valleys in the Bible have far more meaning than just as geographical markers or pins on an ancient map. In his literary genius, God repurposes valley settings throughout Scripture to signal tests of faith––and deepening of confidence in the One who is with us in the valley. In Valleys , we’re going to

176 pages, Paperback

Published January 17, 2023

About the author

KAT ARMSTRONG (www.katarmstrong.com) was born in Houston, Texas, where the humidity ruins her Mexi-German curls. She is a powerful voice in our generation as a sought-after Bible teacher, preacher, coach, and innovative ministry leader. She holds a master’s degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and is the author of No More Holding Back, The In-Between Place, and a 6-book series called Storyline Bible Studies. In 2008, Kat cofounded the Polished Network to embolden working women in their faith and work. Kat is the senior director of marketing and content for Integrus Leadership, is pursuing a doctorate of ministry in New Testament context at Houston Theological Seminary, and hosts the Holy Curiosity podcast. She and her husband, Aaron, have been married for twenty one years and live in Dallas, Texas, with their son, Caleb, and attend Dallas Bible Church, where Aaron serves as the lead pastor.

Reviews

[Mikhael Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

These were good, kinda like the first in the series of image-sourced devotionals. I got some inspiration for stuff to share with others, but there are only so many ways you can say “You’re in a valley, and it’s a metaphor for fear/distrust, but God has something good for you if you keep trekking”

[Meredith Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4/5) I went into this study reading an ARC, so it was just me reading through it myself. Although you can do that, I think this study would be even better going through it with a group and discussing it within the context of community.

What I liked: I was initially drawn to this series because of the gorgeous cover art! The format of this study was helpful. Each chapter on a specific valley in the Bible was split into four sections: providing context, reading and comprehending the passage, diving deeper into understanding the passage, and then thinking through how the passage applies to our world today. The format was easy to process and I thought the discussion questions were thoughtful without being too leading. I think this study would be really accessible, even if you weren't already familiar with the stories presented.

What I wished they'd changed: I thought the gospel presentations were great, but at some points this study felt more self-focused than Jesus-focused, especially in the chapter on David. It's easy to fall prey to the applications about "our giants" etc. etc. while missing the larger point that David points us primarily to Jesus, not ourselves or our own victory. I also would have liked more historical background, context, and scholarly insights in the text (there were good resources in the end section) but that may just be my own nerdiness getting in the way of what is a very accessible study series.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Finding Courage, Conviction, and Confidence in Life's Low Points"

This study is such a gentle education.

The book takes the reader through five 'Valleys' (both geographic and metaphoric in nature) found in the Bible.

Each day, you read a portion of scripture and delve more into context, meaning, and application.

I loved so much about it.

First off, the artwork is stunning. Not the most important aspect, but so beautiful.

I loved that the scriptures appeared in the text.

I loved that the daily homework wasn't overwhelming. We all love Sister Beth, but we don't always have hours a day to devote to study.

I loved that there are more in this series. It's like finishing an excellent novel and knowing you get to spend more time with your favourite characters.

I didn't really dislike anything, but I'd have liked more cultural context, and I think I would have preferred going through this in community, instead of by myself.

I'm very much looking forward to more from this teacher.

8/10

Thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for this tender ARC.

[Amanda Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed how most of the scripture referenced was written out in the book. I'm used to having to switch back and forth between my study book and my Bible. This made this study a lot faster to get through. If you enjoy having your Bible open while you study you can still do that as well.

I also like how well organized this study is. This makes it easy to use for personal or group study. The book contains five lessons and each lesson has four parts. From "context" to "responding" this study's lessons are all very well done. The connections made between each lesson are done well also. The book also sticks to the main theme of valleys.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for their next study, whether it be solo or in a group setting.

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for this honest review.

[Lindsay Keim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the study was really interesting, and liked how she tied old and new testament together. The last one was a stretch, but grace. I also loved the parallels distinguished between the various Valleys. I didn't like that some of the same questions were asked at every chapter, that was a bit redundant for me

[Sareen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This study helped me reflect on the faithfulness of God through all the valleys of life.

[Ruth Coats-Woodhead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a ‘down to earth ‘ book , sharing how each of us have disappointments etc in life , but in Christ us eternal hope and full, glorious resurrected life . Well done Kat 👍I loved yr willingness to share openly and honestly yr faith walk . Blessings

[Shannon Adams plechas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting study. I'm looking forward to reading Mountains next.